10 lovely things to do on maternity leave
Maternity leave is a wonderful but challenging time in a new mum’s life. When your baby arrives, your life will be completely turned upside down, regardless of how much you think you have it all figured out beforehand. Baby means business! Much of what I discovered as a new mum wasn’t just about what my baby needed. It was also about ensuring I had the energy to find joy in all the small moments with him.
This time is precious. Maternity leave is often less than a year of your life, and for some mothers it can be very short. I’m a huge advocate for making the time you do have with your baby as lovely and joyful as possible. So here are my top tips for some of the best things you can with the time that you have.
1. REST.
I am so guilty of not doing this enough. When I had my first baby, I wanted to be a superwoman who could do it all! But looking after my son whilst also maintaining a clean and tidy home, a thriving social life and hobbies? It didn’t happen. Once I allowed myself to just be and rest when I needed to, and sit or lie on the couch for hours, (guilt-free) mat leave got so much better.
2. Use this time to indulge in some great entertainment.
Find some new box sets and series that you love. They can be a really welcome escape during those rare moments of downtime. Alternatively, audio options, like podcasts, audiobooks and radio, are perfect for multitasking, or for a boost if you feel deprived of adult company. Listening to stimulating conversations whilst doing monotonous tasks really helped me feel less isolated during the long days of caring for a newborn.
3. Connect with other mums who are also on maternity leave.
There are a myriad of ways to do this. During pregnancy, consider joining an NCT (National Childbirth Trust) or other antenatal group. This can be a great way to meet new mums. You’ll appreciate having a ready-made Whatsapp group of ladies to message for camaraderie during those stressful early days. But don’t be disheartened if you don’t find ‘your tribe’ that way. It truly is pot luck and groups don’t always gel in the way you might have hoped.
Here are some other ways to meet new mums in the UK:
Join an NCT Coffee Morning/Parent & Baby Group
Attend an event run by The Mum Club
Create a profile and get chatting on the mum-matching app Peanut
Go to a family support event run by HENRY
Check out Happity for local baby classes running in your area
Attend some drop-in sessions or ‘stay & plays’ organised by your local children’s centre. Your health visitor or local council website should be able to point you in the right direction. These sessions are usually free or very low cost — a big plus!
4. Visit friends and relatives.
Or have them visit you — whichever you find more manageable. Make sure to space out these visits and don’t be afraid to cancel if you don’t feel up to socialising. Supportive friends and family members will understand and respect your need to prioritise your wellbeing during this transformative period.
5. Go to baby massage class.
These are a gorgeous, relaxed way to bond with your new baby through touch and communication and also speak to other parents. I tried out two different classes. One was a pricey paid class (which came with a hot drink and a cake every week). The other was a low-cost session run by my local Children’s Centre. Both were excellent and a true highlight of my week. I was so sad when the classes finished!
6. Get some fresh air.
In the early days of having a baby, I found going out with him alone SO overwhelming. Thankfully, it got easier and I built more confidence and competence each time I did it. I remember being so ridiculously proud of myself the first time I took him on a bus! It very quickly becomes second nature, but you need to get out there for that to happen. It’s all about pushing past those initial hesitations and embracing the new and challenging experiences.
7. Do some light and gentle exercise to help your body recover.
New classes are appearing all the time for ‘mum and baby’ exercise, where you can bring your little one along. These can be anything from buggy walks to yoga or HIIT classes. Good for the body AND the mind.
8. Take your baby on cafe dates.
It’s amazing what an hour sitting in a coffee shop with your baby in their pram next to you can do for your sanity. If you’re feeling brave enough, invite one of your new mum friends to join you. They’ll probably be relieved that you asked.
9. Go to the cinema.
Yes, really. If I had to pick ONE favourite practice for maternity leave, it was taking my baby to the cinema. My son was content snuggling for 2-ish hours, and I got to watch all the latest releases. And, if he started fussing, I could attend to his needs without feeling anxious about disrupting anyone else’s experience. Lots of cinema chains do special parent and baby screenings, usually on weekday mornings. I highly recommend this as a unique and enjoyable way to spend time with your little one.
10. Consider this time as a chance to do a bit of travel.
People told me my travelling days would be over when my baby arrived. They clearly hadn’t heard the expression ‘long haul before crawl.’ Young babies are extremely portable. The younger they are, the easier it is to (generally) deal with them on a plane. Plus, the more often you travel, the better you’ll understand how to make it work. So if you’re experiencing any wanderlust, go for it! Whether it’s a short getaway to a nearby destination or a more ambitious international trip, you’re sure to create some great lasting memories.
Summary
Becoming the parent of a newborn (even if it isn’t your first) is fraught with sometimes overwhelming changes. Changes to your body, your energy levels, your social life. Changes that can make it seem like you have to move heaven and earth in order to connect with your child whilst keeping everything else ticking along.
To an extent, you do. But I’m a firm believer that it doesn’t have to be so complicated. Plus, if you’re taking care of yourself, your baby will only benefit. So take your time to recover. Make small changes to your daily routine. Connect with people going through the same thing. Try a few simple activities that get you going outside.
Above all, be patient with yourself. Some days will undoubtedly feel more challenging than others, and that’s okay. Just surviving and getting through the hours with a new baby is an achievement in itself!
Keep things simple. A day at a time, if needs be. You don’t need to aspire to be a superwoman. Make your maternity leave more manageable for you and enjoyable for your baby and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a super mum.
